Lebanon on the Brink of Direct Flights to the US! What Was Agreed?

Ministry of Public Works and Transport concluded a stakeholder workshop on civil aviation in Lebanon at the government palace, following two days of meetings and discussions bringing together Lebanese aviation and security authorities with international partners, supported by technical advisory from the World Bank Group.

The workshop resulted in a set of resolutions and practical steps aimed at strengthening Lebanon’s aviation sector, enhancing its readiness, defining institutional priorities and responsibilities to support the development of Lebanon’s regional and international air connectivity and progress toward resuming direct flights between Lebanon and the United States.

Discussions focused on Lebanon’s aviation system and institutional structure, air services agreements, safety and security and operational requirements, readiness for the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program administered by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), requirements for airport security under the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) foreign airport assessment framework, and standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Transport Minister Faisal Rassamani emphasized that “the conclusion of the workshop marks the beginning of an implementation phase for what has been agreed upon,” stressing the “importance of transitioning systematically from identifying requirements to completing necessary procedures in line with international standards.”

He noted that “the path to restoring direct air connectivity with the United States is part of a broader vision to develop Lebanon’s aviation sector and strengthen confidence in it, which will positively impact Lebanon’s global standing, diaspora engagement, and opportunities in investment, tourism, and economic activity.”

Rassamani clarified that “the workshop outcomes will be translated into concrete actions through coordination with relevant entities, via regular follow-up meetings to monitor progress in implementing agreed measures.”

These steps come alongside ongoing institutional reforms in the aviation sector and the modernization program for Rafic Hariri International Airport, including upgrades to security, safety, and technology systems and enhanced passenger experience, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to building a more efficient, secure, and internationally compliant aviation sector.